Syracuse police to begin buying illegal guns Wednesday

Syracuse, NY -- Beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Syracuse residents may bring in illegal guns to the Public Safety Building in return for $200 and amnesty for illegally possessing the weapon.

Illegal guns will be accepted between 7 a.m. and midnight today and Feb. 11 at the front desk of the Public Safety Building, 511 S. State St.

Syracuse Police Department hopes to get some weapons off the streets with the illegal gun purchase program. In a similar program in 2006, the police purchased 123 illegal weapons from city residents.

Those turning in weapons are asked to call the front desk at the Public Safety Building at 442-5200 before arrival and the weapon should be unloaded and in a bag or box. The police will collect handguns from homes of those who request it by calling that number. Police also offer two gun tip hot lines: 475-3005 or 1-800-550-4887.